The Schuylkill Conservation District has announced a full weekday summer camp series for 2026, offering local children an opportunity to learn, explore, and connect with nature through hands-on outdoor experiences.
The program is being led by Hemlock Hannah, environmental education and outreach coordinator for the district, in partnership with Lyric Paskel, a local middle school science teacher at Assumption BVM School. Paskel brings more than 20 years of environmental education experience, including work with Wildlands Conservancy and Shaver’s Creek, and is well known by students through her nature name, “Towhee.” She also led three weeks of nature camp at Assumption BVM this past summer.
Together, the Schuylkill Conservation District and Assumption BVM are offering four full weeks of Outdoor Wildlife Learning (OWL) camps. Each session runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is designed to provide immersive, interactive, and unplugged learning experiences in the outdoors.
The camps are open to children entering grades 2 through 5 and include hands-on environmental education, art projects, games, special guest presenters, and plenty of time spent in nature. Tuition is $150 per week, with financial assistance available for families in need. Individuals and businesses may also sponsor a child’s attendance. Those interested in donating or sponsoring a camper can contact the program coordinators at owlnaturecamp@gmail.com.
Camp tuition must be paid before the first day of the selected camp week. An early bird discount of $5 is available for registrations completed prior to June 1. Payments can be made by check payable to the Schuylkill Conservation District or via Venmo at @scd1955.
Registration is limited to 20 campers per week, and families are encouraged to sign up early to secure a spot. Registration is available through an online form accessible via QR code or direct link.
The 2026 OWL camp schedule includes:
- Conservation Cadets (June 22–26, 2026): Focused on environmental learning for young stewards and scientists, held at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds.
- Water Warriors (July 6–10, 2026): Centered on waterways and aquatic life, also at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds.
- Creatures and Canvas (July 20–24, 2026): Blending nature and art, hosted at Assumption BVM School in Pottsville.
- Tails and Tales (August 3–7, 2026): A literature- and animal-themed adventure held at Sweet Arrow Lake.
For questions, assistance with registration, or information about becoming a Naturalist in Training, interested individuals are encouraged to contact Lyric Paskel or Hemlock Hannah at owlnaturecamp@gmail.com
